ROBERT WALTERS UK JOBS INDEX – Q1 2016
The number of secretarial and support jobs advertised in the UK rose 28% in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the same period last year.
The latest Robert Walters UK Jobs Index has revealed that secretarial and support vacancies rose by 28% in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the same period last year.
BOUTIQUE FIRMS FUEL HIRING IN FINANCIAL SERVICES
While larger banks have been conservative in their hiring, boutique and medium sized investment banks and investment management houses looked to recruit secretarial professionals at all levels.
We saw a particular focus on support for compliance professionals as companies continue to react to new regulation by increasing size of teams in this area.
Rebecca Gaden, Manager for Secretarial and Support recruitment at Robert Walters, comments:
“The figures are very encouraging, suggesting an attitude of measured confidence among businesses who are still looking to fill vacancies traditionally associated with business growth.”
“While recruitment has slowed among larger banks and financial institutions, boutique firms are creating a new source of demand in the financial services sector. “
“In particular as their internal compliance teams expand, boutique firms are looking to recruit secretarial professionals to provide support to these teams.”
“Under strict pressure from regulators, these smaller firms have expanded their compliance functions, leading to high demand for experienced secretarial and support professionals who are able to take on roles that require a high degree of versatility.”
BUSINESS GROWTH DRIVES DEMAND FOR SECRETARIAL AND SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS
Increased consumer spending has led to growth among businesses with a strong e-commerce presence, as well as firms involved in property, hospitality and media.
As these firms expand, employers are looking to take on additional secretarial and support professionals to provide essential support services to ensure their businesses can accommodate this growth.
Rebecca Gaden continues:
“Business expansion in these sectors has left many employers facing a skills shortage, as demand increases for secretarial professionals.”
“In particular, professionals who have the ability to take on a role where their responsibilities can expand beyond traditional secretarial functions and into project management are highly sought after.”
For further information, please contact Alan O’Doherty on alan.odoherty@robertwalters.com or 020 7509 8839
